Goodreads Choice Awards, French translation residency, and more

News, Reviews, and Interviews

Maaza Mengiste spoke with Mantle contributor Emmanuel Iduma this week about her photography projects, her writing process, and the inspiration behind her novel, Beneath the Lion’s Gaze.

Two new issues of note to make sure you read this month: first, Poetry’s Translation issue, featuring works from Liu Xia, Ko Un, and Yves Bonnefoy; second, the Words Without Borders November issue, featuring contemporary Czech literature.

Last week, American poet Galway Kinnell passed away at the age of 87. This week, the Academy of American Poets remembered his life and poetry with an interactive farewell tribute on their website.

For Your Calendar

The polls are open! The annual Goodreads reader-voted Best Books of the Year poll is now open, featuring 15 longlisted titles in 20 major categories.

Calling all French translators! La Villa Gillet is now accepting applications for its 2015 translation residency program, providing a four-week stay in Lyon for one aspiring and talented translator.

Neil Gaiman is coming to Tulsa, Oklahoma in March! If you live in or plan on being in the area at that time, make sure to reserve your tickets for the event.

Fun Finds and Inspiration

Just because you can’t visit some of the famous writers’ museums in Russia in person, doesn’t mean you can’t visit them! Two museums honoring Pushkin and Mayakovsky now offer virtual tours through Google’s new project, Literary Moscow.

Having trouble reading poetry? Here are 20 meaningful strategies to help you read, understand, and retain poetry.